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Balsam Range Takes Top Honors at IBMA Awards

Balsam Range

Mountain Home Music Company artists honored for excellence in several categories

Balsam Range, [pictured above], recently released its fifth album, FIVE. The band’s previous release,PAPERTOWN, was named 2013 IBMA Album of the Year.

Nashville, TN –  It was a big night for Balsam Range at the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, which were announced during a red carpet event at the annual World of Bluegrass convention in Raleigh, NC.

Buddy Melton of Balsam Range accepts the MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

Singer/Fiddler Buddy Melton was named Male Vocalist of the Year and shared his heartfelt gratitude from the stage. Balsam Range was honored as Vocal Group of the Year, and in the final award of the night, this band of friends from North Carolina’s Haywood County was honored with the coveted IBMAEntertainer of the Year Award.

Guitar virtuoso and singer, Caleb Smith, however, nearly missed the big moment.

Balsam Range had just performed “Moon Over Memphis” and Caleb was backstage talking guitars with fellow-artist, Del McCoury. Guitars are, after all, a favorite topic for Smith, a luthier who makes Caleb Smith Guitars. When the Entertainer of the Year award was announced, McCoury had to interrupt Smith, saying “Son, I think they just said your name.” No fret, Caleb made it to the stage in time to accept the award alongside Tim Surrett, Buddy Melton, Marc Pruett and Darren Nicholson.

Balsam Range (Mountain Home Music Company) performed “Moon Over Memphis” from the album FIVE.

Label-mates at Mountain Home Music Company also received IBMA awards. Adam Steffey of The Boxcars was named Mandolin Player of the Year, and Flatt Lonesome won the Emerging Artist of the Year award. At an earlier luncheon program, Tim Surrett of Balsam Range was honored with the Mentor Award (one of a series of special honors called Momentum Awards) for his inspiration and work with young and developing artists.

IBMA Awards are decided by a vote of the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The IBMA Awards Show was broadcast live on SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Bluegrass Junction), and streamed for viewing by Music City Roots.

IMAGES: Balsam Range at IBMA Awards, Raleigh, NC (Oct. 2, 2014)

Photos courtesy of Alane Anno Photography

Balsam Range was named VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR and ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR.

Canaan’s Crossing nominated for two SPBGMA awards

Song Garden Music Group recording artist Canaan’s Crossing has obtained two SPBGMA nominations in their prestigious award ceremony slated for the Music City Sheraton in Nashville, TN on Sunday February 2, 2014. The Alabama based Bluegrass Gospel band is a nominee in the Gospel Group of the Year (Traditional) category plus the band’s fiddle player, Tina Miller is a nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year (Traditional). Miller stated, “I was in Walmart when Tim Maze called. He asked, “Are you sitting down?”. I asked if I should be. When he told me, I made a complete fool out of myself. This is a HUGE thing for us. In the bluegrass world, there are two things, IBMA and SPBGMA. If you make it to those “shows”, that is something to be proud of. The other artists nominated are very talented and to hear our name called out with theirs, is almost more than I can imagine.” A full list of nominees can be viewed at www.spbgma.com .

SPBGMA (pronounced Spig’-ma) is an acronym for the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America. This will be the 40th Anniversary of their Festival and Awards held each year in Nashville.

For more information about Canaan’s Crossing, visit
www.CanaansCrossing.com

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Nominated and Performing at 19th Annual ICM Awards

NASHVILLE, TN — Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are nominated as Vocal Group of the Year and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year in the upcoming 19th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Awards on Thursday, October 24, at 7:00 pm CT in Nashville. The group will also perform and Doyle will present an award at the event, which will air on television networks listed at: http://www.faithfamilycountry.com/?page_id=1094.

The 2013 ICM Awards are sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child, and will be held at The Fellowship at Two Rivers at Opryland, with floor tickets for the Awards available for purchase for $35 each at: www.bit.ly/ICM2013.

“We are honored to be the reigning ICM Vocal Group of the Year,” said Lawson, “and appreciate being invited to perform again on this year’s show. I’ve always been impressed with the ICM’s focus on God, Family and Country, and commend Jason Higgins and the ICMA staff for all their hard work and dedication to the cause. We’re truly honored to be nominated for two Awards and to be a part of the ICM Awards.”

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are reigning ICM Vocal Group of the Year, have nearly 40 albums to their credit, are seven-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year winners, and have multiple Grammy, Dove, ICM, IBMA, and SPBGMA Award nominations. Lawson is reigning SPBGMA Mandolin Player of the Year, and was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in September 2012 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Other performers at the ICM Awards will include artists such as Guy Penrod, Sunday Drive, and Aaron & Amanda Crabb, while presenters include celebrities such as American Idol’s Melinda Doolittle, The Voice’s Holly Tucker, country music legend Jim Ed Brown, and former NBA player Mike Glenn.

For more details on the ICMA and ICM Awards, please go: www.faithfamilycountry.com/.

For daily news and photos of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/doylelawsonofficial

Bluegrass Legend Doyle Lawson to Perform at 22nd Annual Diamond Awards

PIGEON FORGE, TN (October 17, 2013)  — Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver are honored to be nominated as Bluegrass Gospel Artist of the Year in the upcoming 22nd Annual Diamond Awards. The group will also perform at the event, which will be taped for a television special set to air later this year on Atlanta’s WATC Channel 57.

The 2013 Diamond Awards are sponsored by SGN Scoops Magazine, the vibrant all-digital source of Southern Gospel News, and will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, as part of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention.

“My band and I look forward to performing at the Diamond Awards,” said Lawson, “and appreciate the honor of being nominated as Bluegrass Gospel Artist of the Year. We appreciate the beautiful job SGN Scoops does in spreading the good word about Southern Gospel Music, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Pigeon Forge at the Awards!”

Tickets for the event are being made available FREE of charge, but reservations are strongly encouraged:

http://creekside2013-new.eventbrite.com/

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are reigning ICM Vocal Group of the Year, seven-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year winners, and have multiple Grammy, Dove, ICM, and SPBGMA Award nominations. Lawson is also reigning SPBGMA Mandolin Player of the Year, and was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in September 2012 at the Ryman Auditorium.

“We’re delighted to have Bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver performing at this year’s Diamond Awards,” said Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group and Publisher of SGN Scoops Magazine. “Doyle Lawson’s gospel music is as legendary and beloved as his bluegrass, and we look forward to his band’s performance being a highlight of the 2013 Diamond Awards.”

The Creekside Gospel Music Convention runs from 5:30 pm on Monday, October 28 through 10:30 pm on Wednesday, October 30, and is all provided FREE of charge by SGN Scoops Magazine, Editor-in-Chief Rhonda Frye, and publisher Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group.  Highlights of the convention will feature Lou Hildreth honoring the legendary Ed O’Neal on Monday night, the Pauline Patterson Showcase is on Tuesday morning, the Diamond Awards are on Tuesday night and the  Old Time Gospel Sing is on Wednesday.

For more details on SGN Scoops Magazine and the Diamond Awards, please go: www.sgnscoops.com.
For daily news and photos of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, please go to:   https://www.facebook.com/doylelawsonofficial

MARTY RAYBON WINS HIS FIRST IBMA AWARD

Nashville, TN (October 1, 2013) – Marty Raybon can now add an IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) award to his prestigious list of awards including Grammy, CMA and AMC awards with the group Shenandoah to his successful 40 year career as an entertainer. Last Thursday night Raybon was presented with the “Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year” Award for “Beulah Land” during the 24th IBMA Awards Show in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“It is a such an honor to win the IBMA Award for Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year. This the first of many I hope, I am overwhelmed with joy. I am truly proud of the steadfast job from a great record label Rural Rhythm Records, the lyric from a wonderful writer Squire Parsons. I am thankful and humbled at the favor the Lord has shown me”, commented Marty Raybon.

Raybon’s first IBMA award is not his only first this year as he celebrates his 40th year as an entertainer with his current album “The Back Forty”. The current single, “That Janie Baker”, is moving up the Bluegrass Unlimited chart at #18 . He can also add to his list of firsts in 2013 the #1 song on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart for his hit song “Dirt Road Heartache” which hit #1 in June from his album “Southern Roots & Branches” released in April 2012.

In addition to this impressive list of first time career accomplishments now includes the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited. Raybon appears on the cover of the October 2013 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited with a feature story by Steve Morley. He also appeared on the cover of the May issue of
The Direct Buzz, AirPlay Direct’s monthly magazine. which was another first.

APA Nashville Signs Bluegrass Superstar Duo Dailey & Vincent

Nashville, TN (May 20, 2013) — APA Nashville has signed Bluegrass superstar duo Dailey & Vincent to their roster, it was announced today by APA’s Cass Scripps.  The duo, celebrating its five-year anniversary, has earned two Grammy nominations, three consecutive IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards for “Entertainer of the Year” and three awards for “Vocal Group of the Year,” respectively, and over 40 other awards and honors.  They have multiple #1’s and currently have two albums in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the award-winning and multi-talented Dailey & Vincent.  Adding them to our roster will open many exciting doors of opportunity in the future,” comments Scripps.

Dailey & Vincent’s current single, “Steel Drivin’ Man,” was the #1 most-played song on Bluegrass Today’s monthly chart in April and marked Jamie Dailey’s first #1 as a songwriter. The video premiered on CMT Pure and remains an ongoing top-trending clip.  Their new CD, BROTHERS OF THE HIGHWAY, is currently #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart.  In addition, THE GOSPEL SIDE OF DAILEY &  VINCENT is currently sitting at #7 in its 69th week of activity on the Billboard Gospel Albums Chart.

Notes Dailey, “We are excited to be working with some of Nashville’s finest and hardest-working agents.”   While Vincent adds, “We are looking forward to a great future with a fantastic group of folks at APA Nashville.”

Dailey & Vincent are also represented by Zac Koffler / APEX Entertainment Management, attorney David Crow of Milom, Horsnell, Crow, Rose, Kelley, PLC. and Rounder Records.

Photo: From L to R: Zac Koffler (APEX Entertainment Management), Ray Shelide (APA), Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, Cass Scripps (APA), Matt McGuire (APA), Michael Stevens (APA

Doyle Lawson Honored with Hall of Fame Induction and IBMA Nominations

NASHVILLE (August 21, 2012) — The IBMA has announced that Doyle Lawson will be inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at the 23rd Annual IBMA Awards to be held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, September 27, 2012.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are also nominated as IBMA Vocal Group of the Year and for Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year for “I Saw Him Walk Out of the Sky.”

“It’s such a profound honor, I’m almost speechless,” said Lawson. “To work so hard and so long, and to be recognized in this way, makes me humbled and honored at the same time. It’s one of the highest accolades I’ve ever received.”

Prolific Nashville songwriter Larry Cordle, best known for his CMA Song of the Year “Murder on Music Row” recorded by Alan Jackson and George Strait, recently said of Lawson’s Hall of Fame Induction: “Doyle Lawson has entertained so many, myself included, for so long, and has been such an inspiration.. His dedication to excellence is such a testimony. What a wonderful body of work Doyle Lawson has created for all of us to enjoy, while always making sure that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is at the forefront of all he does and praising Him always. Doyle is such a great example for his legion of fans.”

Regarding Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s IBMA Nominations, bass vocalist and dobro player Josh Swift shared:   “We’re honored to not only work for Doyle, but also to be part of a great team. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver is like a democracy, with Doyle as President and Quicksilver as the House of Representatives… Doyle wants you to have creative freedom and maintain your identity as a musician while playing HIS music. You can always tell it’s Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, yet no two albums sound the same. It’s hard to explain, but the differences you hear are the differences in the identity of the players. The members of Quicksilver aren’t just hired hands, we’re part of the band — part of Doyle Lawson’s team. The freedom Doyle gives us to contribute to the music makes us feel like the records are our babies as much as his. And that’s why we truly feel like it’s an honor to be nominated for Vocal Group of the Year and “I Saw Him Walk Out of the Sky”… because Doyle makes us feel like the music is our baby too. We all feel very honored to be on Doyle Lawson’s team.”

Doyle Lawson’s team currently includes Mike Rogers on guitar and lead vocals; Corey Hensley on bass guitar and tenor vocals; Josh Swift on dobro and bass vocals; Joe Dean on banjo; and six-time Florida State Fiddle Champion Jason Barie on fiddle.

Photo by Anthony Scarlati. www.scarlati.com

Press Release/Page Design by Sherri George. Sherri.George@live.com

Content approved by Doyle Lawson.  www.doylelawson.com

Artist/Actor Randall Franks brings home Bluegrass Band of the Year Award

Actor/Entertainer Randall Franks brings home one award in the midst of a whirlwind of events over seven days.
In between hosting the Bluegrass Bands Helping Hands concert in Dalton, Ga. and two days of concerts and competition at the 39th Annual Grand Master Fiddler Championship during the IBMA Fan Fest at the Nashville Convention Center, he squeezed in three award shows and a day at the IBMA World of Bluegrass.
He performed at the ASE Awards in Atlanta, Ga.; joined fellow gospel artists at the 2010 Singing News Fan Awards and Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame induction at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and fellow bluegrass artists at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
As all the events came to a close, Franks took home with him a new honor to add to collection – the 2010 Bluegrass Band of the Year Award with the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band from the Atlanta Society of Entertainers.
“I am sincerely touched that the efforts given in a love of music can yield the support of my fellow performers in this way,” he said. “This was a wonderful week of visiting with friends old and new – Ronnie Booth of the Booth Brothers, the Whites, Ricky Skaggs, Jesse McReynolds, Jeff and Sheri Easter, new SGMA Hall of Fame inductee Little Jan Buckner-Goff and so many more. Weeks like these make all the miles on the road worthwhile.”
Members of the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band are Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame members Jerry and Helen Burke, J. Max and Teena McKee, Rick Smith, and Dean Marsh.
Among the friends he visited during the week was the new SGMA James D. Vaughan Award winner Dolly Parton. The superstar starred in the 1999 film “Blue Valley Songbird,” in which Franks made a special appearance performing alongside friend and bluegrass star Sam Bush. He and Bush visited later in the week at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship.
Franks is best known as “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” a role he performed on NBC and CBS from 1988-1993. He is currently part of the cast of “Robert Townsend’s Musical Theater of Hope” on the GMC.
Franks’s musical stylings have been heard in 150 countries and by more than 25 million Americans. His musical career boasts 17 album releases, 17 singles, and over 200 recordings with various artists from various genres. His latest CD is “Appalachian Musical Revival” from the Share America Foundation (www.shareamericafoundation.org).
In addition to touring, he hosts 10 concerts annually at the Ringgold Depot raising funds for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund.
The award-winning fiddler’s best selling release, “Handshakes and Smiles” was a top twenty Christian music seller. Many of his albums were among the top 30-bluegrass recordings of their release year.
He has co-starred or starred in six films with superstars including Christian Slater, William Hurt, Stella Parton and legendary western star “Doc” Tommy Scott.
For more information, visit http://randallfranks.com/.

Crossroads Congratulates IBMA Award Nominees

August 18, 2010 (Arden, NC) – Congratulations to Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for their final ballot nomination in the Vocal Group of the Year as well as the Gospel Performance of the Year category for Light on My feet, Ready to Fly. The title track is currently climbing in the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart and we thank IBMA member voters for recognizing Doyle this year.

Also nominated this year is Balsam Range in the IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year category. The title track to their album, Last Train to Kitty Hawk was #1 on the BU chart last year and the band’s new release, Trains I Missed, will be available September 21st on the Mountain Home label.

Other exciting nominations include Adam Steffey for Mandolin Player of the Year and Ron Stewart in two individual musician categories, Banjo Player and Fiddle Player of the Year. Great job Adam and Ron!

Thanks to all of the voters for supporting these to fine groups and players.